I have been around for the last few week. However, the combination of the pressures of impressing a new employer and finiding it difficult to explain what I had seen against both Eastern Suburbs and Sydney University, has meant that this is the first report that I have penned since the fantastic opening to the 2012 Shute Shield. At the start of the season (for the second season is succession) the “experts” predicted that a young and relatively inexperienced team would likely struggle in the toughest club competition in Australia. However, this group looks to have put in a lot of hard work in the off season and they do not appear to be distracted by outside issues. As a result, they are playing with a united purpose and belief, which has taken the “experts” by surprise.

As I have said for a number of seasons, I am yet to see a victorious Gordon first XV at Woollahra Oval (this is the only such venue in the competition for your scribe). Being a superstisious character, I knew that it was all down to me to secure the elusive win; and, so this season I did as many things different as I possibly could. I caught public transport to the Double Bay; I approached the ground a different way than I usually do; and, I stood on the eastern side of the ground in the club house, when I have always braved the golf balls looking into the sun. And with 90 seconds remaining it appeared as if all that had paid off. Alas the travelling supporters were thwarted with a penalty kicked after just about the longest advantage I have seen played from outside the quarter line to a metre out from the try line.

The following week, back at Chatswood Oval, the Highalnders looked to get back in the winner’s circle against Sydney Uni. Resolutely holding a five-point advantage against the Varsity for the last 20 minutes of the game, with a minute remaining surely it couldn’t happen two weeks in a row. Then with 60 seconds on the clock in a haze of a line out and the reserve half back snapping down the sideline for a great opportunist’s try to draw level and then to slot the conversion for the sideline to win, Gordon hearts were once again broken. Two games for the taking and it was probably only the lack of polish at some crucial times to put games to bed that was the difference between the top and the holding grimly to the middle of the table.

The wounded Highlanders travelled to TG Millner to take on the reigning premiers, Eastwood, to move back up the table. Taking on such a strong team on their home patch is difficult at the best of times. However, the chance that the hosts would not be focussed enough for the clash was merely a dream, as they were unexpectedly belted by Eastern Suburbs the previous week. In the Highalnders’ favour was the loss of influential corpulent five-eighth, Pierre Hola to injury, and inspirational captain, Hugh Perrett, who deservedly won a contract with the Melbourne Rebels.

Games between these two teams, for a long time local-derby rivals, are always hard fought. And with ex-Gordon player Jared Barry playing at number 8, nothing was different with this clash, as both teams ripped in to one another. The blue and whites (looking like they were wearing advertising hoardings than their traditional strip) looked determined and threatened to strike at any moment. However, after 20 minutes it was Gordon with stout defence who had taken a 6 – 0 lead through two Tom Hill penalty goals from outside 30 metres. The Highlanders had their chances to build on the lead with Hamish McGilvray, who was impressive in his second start of the season, getting quick ball to a three-quarter line that is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous in the competition. However, poor handling at crucial moments snubbed out these opportunities.

Instead, it was the home team who scored next, through Barry, with only five minutes remaining in the half, Eastwood lead 9 – 7. The men in tartan wrested the lead back in the shadows of half time with another penalty goal. It would have been a great return for the effort that had been displayed by a pack that was battling hard against an imposing Eastwood unit. In that regard, enormous credit must go to the front row, which included debutant Jack Parfitt and to a line out unit that won its fair share of ball against an opponent with several tall targets. However, the failure to secure a ball that was won from a lineout 30 metres out led to a try on the stroke of half time and the hosts went into the sheds 14 – 9 leaders.

There was much to like about Gordon’s performance in the first half. Once again, the back row was tireless in their work rate. Mitch Greenway is so often first in and last out of a loose ball situation that is easily not noticed. And whilst not the biggest 6 and 8 in the competition, Mark Williams and Luke Rissman make up for their comparative lack of height by being at every break down and hitting it at pace and intent. With players like Lex Fairley to come back and Bas Murphy making his first appearance for the season in a one-point loss in second grade, some much-needed depth is starting to develop.

At the fifteen-minute mark in the second half, Gordon had got to within two points with its fifth penalty goal and looked to be gaining the momentum. However, when presented with another chance to kick for goal two minutes later to take the lead, a tap was taken seeking to catch Eastwood napping. The tactic, whilst looking promising, ultimately back fired as the ball spilled loose and the home team rebounded down the other end of the field to score and extend their lead, which was extended further only five minutes later. Suddenly, from being close to taking control of the game, the score had blown out to 31 – 15 with a quarter of the game remaining.

Gordon refused to go away, as has been their resolve in 2012, and with ten minutes left in the game they threatened a comeback. Bustling Lucas Simkin, who would not look out of place on the side of the scrum and is surely the doppelganger of former first grader Brian “Bubba” Perry, crossed the line shortly after coming on, with an incisive run and the score was 31 – 22. However, the home team kicked the final points of the game to prevail 34 – 22. It was another impressive performance from a team that is still learning to play togeteher and play in the top grade. But for a couple of key moments that were not seized, including failing to secure balls that were initially won from the lineout, this is another game that could easily have been won.

Whilst this team is competing in games in which they were not fancied at the beginning of the season, this competition is extremely tough and despite nearly getting the points in every game against some highly-credentialed opponents, the Highlanders find themselves battling in mid table. In any event, the closeness of the games, not only Gordon’s games but across the entire competition, renders the SRU decision to split the competition top six and bottom six difficult to understand. If the clubs are struggling to compete for 22 weeks then the split was fine. Possibly odds and evens; but, not top and bottom.

It will not get any easier this week, as the men in tartan travel to West Taren Point to take on Southern Districts. The Rebels have been in terrific form this season, only losing one game against Manly by a solitary point, and have a formidable back line. However, if the team continues to develop their combination and trust one another in defence, there is every chance that Gordon will secure the victory that has elluded them for the last three weeks. Whilst it is an investment of time to travel to the Shire, the boys need your support and you will not want to miss this game.

See you from the Cedric Pike Stand

Georgie McHugh

Sun, 29 April, 2012

Stags v Killara West Pymble v Wahroonga  v Lindfield Funnelwebs (plus Eastwood)

Three games… Four tries to Stags players, lots of runs, tackles, laughs & beers…………..

Another cracking day at Killara West Pymble for the annual Battle of the North Shore

Games 1 against Wahroonga.

Highlights from the first game was the return of Nick Hermann after taking 2 years off to get over a broken rib sustained at Chatswood Oval.  Nick brought a work mate along, Paul Barrett, who had his first game of rugby for 23 years, possibly back in NZ.  Paul offered plenty of defense and a huge amount of attacking flair in the centers. Best forward was Brett (Nico) who had a great game (and day) with his running and defensive play. He was also well supported by Piet Bez who is improving with every game back this season. Rod Cheney returned and continues to become a good hard hitting forward.  Tricky Ricky had plenty of the ball and organized the backs well. Newbe, Allan Tricker took to the field with a heavily bandaged hand that he “broke” two weeks ago. The local strapper tried to talk Allan out of playing but Allan was determined & made a solid contributions to the scrums & in general play.

Game 2 against The Funnelwebs

The Webs attacked for the first few minutes of the second game and put 2 tries down before Paul broke clear for the Stags first try of the day. the game was then a very even affair to finish 3 tries to 1 in the Funnelwebs favor. Other Stags to return during this game were Pablo B and flyer Matt Prowse, who played 10 minutes before destroying his foot and day.

Rocky returned from Brothers playing duty and showed some flair on the wing. Allan and Brett continued to put in and a good game was had. Rod continued to put in and was rewarded with the blood bin for his efforts.

Game 3 against Killara West Pymble

The final game for the stags was against Killara, who appear to be training with the Waratahs as they had to many set plays for Golden Oldies. The big NZ recruit Paul was now on fire as was Nico and a close loss was had, 3 tries to 2. The president, Macca, had a purple patch and thankfully his male pride held and he kept the black shorts on after having a reflective moment considering the Red shorts (those black tassels are a concern!).  Dave Whitely showed up and gave his usual fight from the front, as well as scoring a good break away try. The other try was scored by the Pom, on loan from Eastwood.

Best & Fairest Stags players on the day were Nico, Ricky, Rod and Paul.

Thanks to the assistance of the many Eastwood Charcoals who boosted our presence on the field on the day as we would have been short on numbers if they weren’t there to assist.

Apologies were received from the following:

Work commitments – Kris Weston

Family commitments – Matt Curran,  Karl Houghton, Nick Gleeson & Hamish Macdonald

Injury List – Scott Tanfield, Matt Crozier, Alex Burton, Chris Perfect

Eastwood took a commanding 14 point lead with 12 minutes to go, before Lucas Simkin scored a great try that brought the game back into a tight finish. The Highlanders fought hard for the entirety of the 80 minutes and if not for a couple of errors could have easily walked away with the 4 points.

Currently Gordon is sitting in 9th position on the table, only 8 points out of the top 4. Taking a bonus point from each of the close losses has held them to remain in close proximity of the leaders and gives them a good chance to storm up the leaders board as the season progresses.

Eastwood Centre Michael McDougall grabbed a double as Eastwood secured an impressive bonus point victory over the Highlanders’ at T.G. Millner Field. Fullback Barney Wood looks to have filled the shoes of injured flyhalf Pierre Hola in the points-scoring department, as he grabbed 14 of his own with the boot.

Despite the disappointment of last week and a number of notable absences including Hugh Perrett, who was signed to the Melbourne Rebels, Tim Bennetts who is off to Japan and the injured Hola, the reigning premiers piled on the points against a strong Gordon outfit.

The Highlanders’ will have it tough again next week when they go up against Southern Districts and will need centre Tom Hill to keep up his performances with the boot as he grabbed an impressive 17 points of his own.

Eastwood 34 (2 Michael McDougall, Jared Barry, Mick Snowden tries; Barney Wood 4 cons, 2 pens) d Gordon 22 (Lucas Simkin try; Tom Hill con, 5 pens)